David Lowery returns to the realm of the supernatural with Mother Mary, a film that prioritizes atmosphere and aesthetic texture above all else. If you were to describe this film as "all vibes," it wouldn't be an insult. It is a highly stylized, sensory experience that sits comfortably alongside modern giallo like In Fabric or the formalist mastery of The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover.
The story follows a pop icon known only as Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway), who resurfaces in the life of Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel). Sam is the fashion designer responsible for styling the singer during her meteoric rise. After years of estrangement, a desperate Mother Mary returns to Sam’s secluded English countryside workshop. What begins as a tense interpersonal drama gradually shifts into something much more unsettling: a ghost story.
A Visual Masterpiece from David Lowery
Director David Lowery has built a career on blending the fantastic with the intimate. From the existential dread of A Ghost Story to the folkloric grandeur of The Green Knight, he possesses a unique knack for the supernatural. In this Mother Mary review, it is clear that his ability to weave high-concept ideas into small, character-driven spaces remains intact.
The technical execution is nothing short of faultless:
- Cinematography: Andrew Droz Palermo returns to collaborate with Rina Yang, whose background in music videos for stars like Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa lends an authentic cinematic language to the portrayal of pop stardom.
- Sound Design: A constant, low-frequency hum permeates the workshop, building tension through creaks and storm growls that feel physically heavy.
- Choreography: Sequences of interpretive dance serve as a fluid way to depict the deterioration of Mary’s psyche.
High Fashion Meets Supernatural Horror
The film uses high fashion as its primary backdrop, making it an "art for art's sake" endeavor. Much like a piece of couture clothing, the film is gorgeously crafted but not always functional; it is a work of art meant to be observed rather than easily "worn." While the narrative autopsy of the relationship between Mary and Sam sometimes feels secondary to the film's striking formality, the setting ensures everything feels intentional.
Captivating Performances and Niche Themes
Despite its niche subject matter, the film is anchored by powerhouse performances. Anne Hathaway portrays Mother Mary as a portrait of pure anxiety, delivering an unnerved performance that reaches a peak during a haunting, music-less dance routine. Michaela Coel is equally impressive as Sam, providing an enigmatic and cutting presence that embodies Lowery’s central themes.
Ultimately, Mother Mary serves as a cautionary tale regarding the ownership of collaborative work and the heavy burden of creative legacies. While the final act leans into melodrama and the fantasy elements lose some of their grip, the film succeeds as a visual painting. It is a technical triumph that allows the audience to project their own emotions onto its beautifully rendered brushstrokes.
